Ruby Walsh: Why I've never warmed to British Champions Day

I accept Ascot has a couple of fantastic clashes today, but that’s not always guaranteed and, as for international competition, a scattering of Irish and the odd French runner is all this day ever attracts

ALMOST THERE: Oisin Murphy steers Whitehaven to victory in the Gamble Responsibly With Casumo Handicap at Haydock yesterday, a win that extended his lead on title rival William Buick to three in the race to be crowned Britain’s champion jockey. Picture: Nigel French/PA

Would I say I have been British Champions Day’s most prominent critic? No, but neither have I been a massive fan of the concept, even if I have been to the meeting a few times and never missed watching it.

Why am I not a fan of the idea? Because on the horse front, the season doesn’t end today for the stars that will align on the track. Some of them will move on to the Breeders’ Cup, or Japan Cup or to Hong Kong in early December as they trot around the globe chasing big prizes and adding international competition to some great races.